Product Information

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Format: DRM Free ePubVendor: CrosswayPublication Date: 2011

ISBN: 9781433524288ISBN-13: 9781433524288

Publisher's Description

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"We need a real Adam and Eve if we are to make sense of the Bible and of life," argues C. John Collins. Examining the biblical storyline as the worldview story of the people of God, Collins shows how that story presupposes a real Adam and Eve and how the modern experience of life points to the same conclusion.

Applying well-informed critical thinking to common theological and scientific questions, Collins asserts the importance of a real man at the beginning in God's plan for creation, a plan that includes "redemption" for all people since sin entered the world.

Did Adam and Eve Really Exist? addresses both biblical and Jewish texts and contains extensive appendices to examine how the material in Genesis relates to similar material from Mesopotamian myths. Collinss detailed analysis of the relevant texts will instill confidence in readers that the traditional Christian story equips them better than any alternatives to engage the life that they actually encounter in the modern world.

Endorsements

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It is not often that a book in this controversial field of human origins takes seriously both the Bible (in terms of textual exegesis, literary form, and theological coherence) and science (in terms of its findings and its theoretical possibilities). Jack Collins does both with graciously applied scholarship, conviction, and humility, making very clear where biblical faithfulness requires us to be uncompromisingly affirmative, and where there is room for varying opinion over possible scenarios that could be consistent with such biblical conviction.
-Christopher J. H. Wright, International Director, Langham Partnership International; author, The Mission of God

Dr. Collins has presented a careful defense of the existence of the historical Adam and Eve. This methodologically rigorous study reflects a critical awareness of contemporary discussions on both biblical and extra-biblical literature and further contributes to the wider discussion on science and religion. Perhaps more importantly, he has successfully demonstrated the theological significance of this traditional reading, all the while using language that an informed layperson can digest and engage. This work deserves to be widely circulated.
-David W. Pao, Chair of the New Testament Department, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Working through questions of myth and history, Bible and science, harmonization and complementarity, Collins brings fresh arguments to stimulate wide-ranging thought and improved appreciation of the way the first chapters of the Bible affect the whole.
-Alan Millard, Emeritus Rankin Professor of Hebrew and Ancient Semitic Languages, The University of Liverpool

I could hardly imagine a more honest book on this controversial topic. Its openness (in a user-friendly format) is no naivety-it is combined with undeniable competence on the ancient Near East, recent literature, and methodological discussions. Standing firm on vital issues, accepting diversity on others, the reader meets in C. John Collins a sensitive and godly guide.
-Henri A. Blocher, formerly Gunther Knoedler Professor of Systematic Theology, Wheaton College Graduate School

Few scholars are better equipped than Professor C. John Collins to provide a well-informed, up-to-date assessment of what may and may not be known about Adam and Eve. With clarity, Collins offers a balanced discussion of the relationship between Genesis 2-3 and current theories on the origins of the human race. Recognizing the limitations of human knowledge, he highlights the vital contribution made by the Genesis account for understanding the human predicament. Marked by both erudition and sanity, here is a book worth reading.
-T. Desmond Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Director of Postgraduate Studies, Union Theological College

Collins has done a great service to the church by providing us with this crucial volume. It will quickly prove to be a vital resource for pastors, students, and laypeople around the world. With careful scientific analysis and convincing biblical exegesis, Collins graciously answers the skeptics and thoroughly reinforces the historic Judeo-Christian position.
-Burk Parsons, Associate Pastor, Saint Andrew's Chapel, Sanford, Florida; editor, Tabletalk magazine

In a sense, the way one reads the first few chapters of Genesis will determine his or her way of reading the whole Bible. Dr. Collins has expounded in a lucid manner how the original narrator intended this vital part of the Bible to be read. Cogency combines with erudition to make this book worthy of appreciation by those who do not espouse his general stance, as well as by readers who may be unaware of their own premises.
-Nobuyoshi Kiuchi, Professor of Old Testament, Tokyo Christian University

This book will boost your confidence in the Bible, especially in its capacity to address a common experience of all peoples. By treating the Bible as Scripture, Collins has modeled for us how Christians should approach the faith-science questions. The Bible has answers to the human predicaments and needs. Only if what it says is true can we truly make sense and move forward in this sinful world. The real payoff of this book goes beyond the unequivocal biblical witness of Adam and Eve's historical existence. For it is the human dignity based on our common ancestry and a shared perception of sensing the abnormality of this world that open a way for the redemption and restoration of all peoples through the real life and works of the second Adam.
-Natee Tanchanpongs, Academic Dean, Bangkok Bible Seminary

I commend this book merely for the courage of taking the adventure in addressing this debated issue biblically and scientifically. Even if the reader does not fully agree with Collins' conclusions he/she is compelled to listen carefully to his arguments.
-Riad A. Kassis, Regional Director, Overseas Council for Middle East, North Africa, and Central Europe; adjunct professor of Old Testament, Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, Lebanon

Bill Maher, who makes no secret of his disdain for religion, has a standard question he asks of people who say they believe the Bible: "So you believe in a talking snake then?" For many people, the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden seems a hard pill to swallow, even in Christian circles.

Modern scientific theories tell us evolution played a part in the development of the human species, the human genome project seems to point to more than two human parents at the top of our family tree, and other Ancient Near Eastern creation stories have commonalities with what we read in Genesis, suggesting that perhaps Adam and Eve and the serpent and the trees and the fig leaves are all just part of a myth.

In Did Adam and Eve Really Exist?, C. John Collins, a professor at Covenant Theological Seminary, explores reasons for believing in an historical, flesh-and-blood Adam and Eve. In doing so, he looks at the biblical data, human experience, and current scientific theories about the origin of our species. But why does it matter? Many people in recent days have reasoned that it shouldn't really matter to the Christian faith. After all, what's important is Jesus, not Adam and Eve. The reasoning goes like this: whether or not the episode in the Garden really happened or not, we all know we're sinful and Jesus rescues us from sin.

The problem with this type of thinking, as Dr. Collins argues, is that removing an historical Adam and Eve from the Christian story, not only leaves the authority of Scripture on shaky ground, but it also makes the promise of God in Christ suspect. You see, we are all sinners because Adam sinned. If there was no Adam and sin is just a part of the natural order, then it's no longer an invading alien force in our world. It's part of the design and not something to be defeated. We need to be counted "in Christ" because we were first counted "in Adam," but if there was no Adam, the biblical gospel makes no sense. While surveying the Old and New Testaments, as well as intertestamental literature, Dr. Collins argues that the biblical (and non-biblical writers) believed in a literal, historical first couple, and that this belief does matter to our understanding of salvation history. "We can conclude that, while some texts do not absolutely require historical Adam and Eve for their truth value, others look like they do in fact require it" (92).

Although the biblical survey was necessary to show the unity of Scripture (and therefore the necessity of historical Adam and Eve), I was most interested in the chapter, "Can science help us pinpoint 'Adam and Eve'?" In it, Dr. Collins identifies criteria for "good" theories (those that will fit with the biblical data and common human experience) and then looks at some of the prominent theories of origin floating around. For me, the take away was that the scientific theories appear to all have some problems, and none of them are really as airtight as some popular scientists would have us believe. (I was a bit disappointed that the issue of polygenesis - the theory that many groups of homo sapiens came into existence around the same time (either through a divine act or evolution - was not confronted a bit more directly, especially in light of Acts 17:26.) At the same time, we Christians need to be realistic about the fact that Genesis is not a science textbook. Much of what we sometimes defend as a "literal reading" of Scripture is actually a traditional interpretation of the text (Please don't misunderstand me: I believe in a literal, historical Adam and Eve!). As new data comes to light, we must be diligent to see how well it lines up with what the Bible actually says. There's a lot at stake:

"First... if we deny that all people have a common source that was originally good but through which sin came into the world, then the existence of sin becomes God's fault.... Second, the notions of sin as an alien invader that affects all people, and as atonement as God's way of dealing with the guilt and pollution that comes from this defiling influence, depend on the story of the original family.... Third, if we cannot insist on a common origin for all mankind, then we have given up the grounds... for affirming the common dignity of all people.... Fourth, how we relate to the story of Adam and Eve does, sooner or later, face us with what stance we will take toward Biblical authority" (133-134).

In 1925, the State of Tennessee tried John Scopes for teaching the theory of evolution in his biology classroom. The trial, commonly referred to as "The Scopes Monkey Trial" became a media sensation and the world watched to see how it would turn out. Fundamentalist, Bible-believing Christians defended traditional Creationism and won the day, but the backlash of the battle had repercussions for years to come. These fundamentalists were seen as backward and ignorant and, in many cases, retreated from culture. As I read Did Adam and Eve Really Exist, I couldn't help but think of the Scopes trial. It seems, we are once again faced with an issue where leading scientific theories are in direct opposition to the teaching of the Bible. This issue is not going anywhere. A battle is about to be waged in the popular media, and how we deal with the issue of Adam and Eve will affect how the church is viewed for some time to come.

There is renewed interest and debate in an age old question: did Adam and Eve really exist? From the interaction between Al Mohler and those of Biologos, everything related to Genesis 1-3 is being reexamined and reevaluated from all sides of the issue.

Enter C. John Collins book, Did Adam and Eve Really Exist? Who They Were and Why You Should Care. His approach, thoroughly grounded in historical, biblical truth, examines current scholarship, extra-biblical literature, and critical analysis of from the critics.

If one denies the historical account of Adam and Eve, then it inevitably leads to issues in understanding and explaining sin, the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Bible as it relates to the meta-narrative of the Bible ultimately pointing to a crucified, buried and risen Savior, and impacts our view of humanity in general. To sum up his own book,Collins states, "The alternatives are less satisfactory, and possibly even disastrous, on all these counts (p 133)." 'Counts' referring to those things previously mentioned.

Whether one who has doubts about the historical reliability of creation or even denies the account as recorded in Genesis reads Collins work and is compelled by the evidence to change their view is unclear. However, Collins addresses these issues from a scholarly point of view (with extensive footnotes and a substantial bibliography) but written so pastors, teachers, and students alike can understand. In light of the current issues being discussed, this would be a great resource for any pastor, teacher or student. So, did Adam and Eve really exist? My answer is a resounding yes, and Collins book adds to the biblical foundation that belief is established on. Hopefully, prayerfully, this book will add to your own defense of the historical accuracy and reliability of the biblical account of creation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Crossway as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The subtitle for this book gives us a quick glimpse as to why this book was written. It states, "Who they were and why you should care!" There has been a real controversy lately that revolves around the aspect that Adam and Eve were not real people but instead are figurative / symbolic of humankind.

Should it matter to us whether they were real or symbolic? YES! There are very solid reasons why it is important that Adam and Eve were real historical people whom God created as the first man and woman.

The book of Genesis reads as though they are real people, not just figurative. God gives them life and they have personality. God gives them instruction and they learn from walking in the garden with God. God gives them free will and they take that free will and abuse the privilege by eating of the fruit that was forbidden.

Bottom line, they sinned! Through their sin all mankind to follow will enter this life in a state of fallen sinfulness.

Maybe the best way to help you understand this books intent is to quote the beginning of Chapter 6, "Conclusions." C. John Collins states, "What I think I have shown; I do not claim to have solved every problem or to have dealt with every possible objection. But I trust I have shown why the traditional understanding of Adam and Eve as our first parents who brought sin into human experience is worthy of our confidence and adherence. It does justice to specific Biblical texts, and suits the Biblical story line, with its notions of representation and covenantal inclusion; it also provides a meaningful explanation for everyday experience. It is the view articulated or presupposed in Genesis, in Paul, and, above all, in the Gospel presentation of Jesus. The alternatives are less satisfactory, and possibly even disastrous, on all these counts."

Collins accomplished that conclusion in the text of the book. His chapters headings are as follows;

Chapter 1, Introduction

Chapter 2, The Shape of the Biblical Story

Chapter 3, Particular texts that speak of Adam and Eve

Chapter 4, Human Uniqueness and Dignity

Chapter 5, Can Science Help us pinpoint "Adam and Eve?"

Chapter 6, Conclusions

Collins takes a good bit of time taking about the book of Genesis. He then traces the references to Adam and Eve through the Old Testament. He follows that by addressing how the Apostle Paul viewed Adam and Eve in his epistles and also had Jesus referred to Adam and Eve through his teachings as shown in the Gospels.

Further there is some reference to Adam and Eve drawn from Revelation to give us kind of the bookends of the Bible. Genesis starts with Adam and Eve and Revelation sums up why God had to do what He did to bring mankind back to a place where the sin of Adam and Eve has been dealt with and man can now live a life free of sin.

Chapter 5, Can Science Help us pinpoint "Adam and Eve" starts out by referring to the crux of debate that has happened. That crux is that scientist believe that human DNA "points to a population of several thousand people from whom all humans have descended, not just two."

Collins will work through that discussion and draw on the material he has laid out in the first four chapters of his book to express why he doesn't believe that is an appropriate belief.

If you are going to deal with any people who question the reality of Adam and Eve or who question that the Bible really addresses them as historical accurate figures rather than just symbolic figures used for the sake of story, then you need to read this book.

C. John Collins does a good job of giving us well thought out logical material to help us lead our Ã¢â¬Ëskeptic' friends to further understand their Bibles and see the true storyline that God has woven through history and that He shows us in His Word.

Did Adam and Eve Really Exist? Who they were and why you should care is written by Dr. C. John Collins Professor of Old Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary. This book is a well-written treatment on a topic that is currently being debated by a number of scientists and theologians who are seeking to redefine the traditional position which is that Adam and Eve were actually persons of whom every human being is a descendant of. Rather than giving his opinion of the topic, Dr. Collins goes to the Scriptures and explains them. The author doesn't just stop at explaining the Scriptures but seeks to answer some of the objections that people are raising against the traditional understanding of Adam and Eve and does so winsomely.

Ideas have consequences. The issue of whether Adam and Eve are historical persons is a huge issue because Genesis presupposes they are. If Adam and Eve are not actual persons who lived then making sense of the Garden of Eden, the Fall and more makes no sense. Furthermore if we deny that Adam and Eve are literal persons then we deny how sin came into the world and the existence of sin becomes God's fault or something that God could not avoid. Furthermore, the story of Adam and Even deals with the issue of who is sovereign--- mankind or the Lord God Almighty? The answer that one gives to this question will also reveal the position one has on biblical authority which in turn affects how one views who Jesus is and what He has done in His death, burial and resurrection. As you can see the questions that are being asked about the historicity of Adam and Eve have relevance today, because they are foundational to what it means to have a biblical worldview.

Dr. Collins book is one that will help you to think through and understand the important role Adam and Eve play in redemptive history. Along the way the author answers the question: Did Adam and Eve really exist? And why should we care? This book will likely not stop the debate on Adam and Eve but it is an excellent introduction to this topic. I recommend you pick this book up and begin to learn why this issue is so important.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Crossway as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

sat under the teaching of Jack Collins in seminary, I was glad to see this new book entitled Did Adam and Even Really Exist? from Crossway. Collins' goal is to "show why I believe we should retain a version of the traditional view, in spite of any pressures to adandon it" (13). Collins is referring to the view taken by most Christians through history that identifies Adam and Eve as historical persons and the fall of man into sin as coming from their own hands. Collins very carefully handles the concept of history in the introduction to provide the readers a foundation upon which to handle the Genesis narrative. He sides with argument that the author of Genesis believed he was writing about actual events while using rhetorical and literary conventions to shape his readers minds (16). Why is all this talk about history important? For one, many shrug their shoulders and decide that history is unnecessary to modern man. Others, believing in the advances of scientific inquiry but wanting to retain some of the biblical record, cry out that Adam and Eve were not historical persons, but the author(s) of the Genesis narratives believed them to be actual persons. Questions of storyline, witness of other biblical writers, and ordinary experience are questions that Collins relates to the answer of history and its importance. Agreeing with Colllins, I wonder how we can seriously take the writings of Paul relating to sin seriously if we entirely reject the actuality of Adam and Eve.

In the chapter on The Shape of the Biblical Story Collins draws us into the world of the text through seeing its overarching narrative. In speaking of the 'worldview story' that the Bible portrays Collins writes, "..the worldview story..captures the imaginations of those who own it, thereby driving them on and holding their loyalty" (27). What is unique in this delineation of worldview is that it is not merely cognitive but captures the whole person (imagination connects to emotions and gut feeling). Secondly, these worldview stories are not static but provide a steering wheel for their obedience and faithfulness. Next, Collins makes a helpful distinction in seeking to define historical as a 'way of referring to events' that are not necessarily non-figurative, non-ideological and non-sequential (34-35). What is the purpose of this discussion? The main point here is to provide an alterative to applications of the text that seek something that the text cannot provide (prose, complete in detail, chronological sequence, 34-35).

In looking at the rest of the book I wanted to venture into Collins' comments on Genesis and science? Collins wants to provide a discussion between the narrative of Genesis and scientific inquiry that is both reasonable and sound. How does he do this? First, he writes, "We should begin by observing the literary conventions, rhetorical purpose,and original audience of the author of Genesis" (109) Stop right there, why is this important? In order to be good readers of the text, we must pay careful attention to the shape of the text (conventions, rhetoric, divergence from other texts). Genesis 1-11 is markedly different from the ANE stories in its polemical thrust and intent. Secondly, the Genesis narrative has a way of shaping our teaching of the Bible that rids itself from the facts only approach (These are the truths of the Bible, the end). Reading Genesis acutely allows us to see the grand worldview story that is told by the author and allows us to put the events into proper perspective.

I think this is a great book for pastors, laymen, students of the Bible. Collins gets into many other details that people ask when approaching Genesis (no death before Adam and Eve sinned? 115, common origin of mankind). Overall, this is a great resource and a great approach to carefully taking the narrative seriously and engaging science profitably.